By John Fay
The Cincinnati Enquirer

LOS ANGELES - Since Brandon Larson last left the Reds 11 days ago, things have changed just a bit.

"It's a lot different circumstances this time," Larson said upon his return Wednesday.

General manager Jim Bowden, manager Bob Boone and third baseman Aaron Boone are all gone.

Larson was a bit player in his stint from July 17-25. He made one start the last day he was with the club. He went 2-for-4 and made a couple of nice plays in the outfield.

New manager Dave Miley didn't ease Larson in. He was the starting third baseman and cleanup hitter for Wednesday night's game with the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Miley plans to give Larson a long look.

"He deserves an opportunity," Miley said. "We're going to see what he can go out and do."

Miley has seen Larson at his best as the manager at Triple-A Louisville.

"There really isn't any more he can prove at that level," Miley said. "He's put up MVP-type numbers."

Larson hit .323 with 20 home runs and 74 RBI in 72 games for Louisville.

Larson, of course, started the season as the Reds' starting third baseman. But he failed miserably - 4-for-48 (.083) - and was sent down in the Puerto Rico Purge on April 19.

"I didn't think I got a fair shot," Larson said. "But that's in the past. I'm moving forward."

Playing for Miley should help.

"The biggest part of this game is between the ears," Miley said. "He's played well for me. I don't think I put any pressure on any of these guys."

FREEL GONE: Ryan Freel was optioned to Louisville to make room for Larson on the roster.

HARANG A GO: Miley, as expected, named Aaron Harang to start Saturday's game in San Diego.

"That's about as official as it gets," Miley said.

Harang is a 23-year-old right-hander obtained in the Jose Guillen trade with Oakland.

Harang made one start for Louisville. He allowed five runs on five hits in three innings.

Harang went 7-2 with a 2.38 ERA with Triple-A Sacramento and 1-3 with a 5.38 ERA with Oakland.

NO CLAUSSEN: Don't expect Brandon Claussen, a left-hander obtained in the Boone deal with the New York Yankees, to be with the Reds any time soon.

Claussen made his Reds organization debut Tuesday. He went 6 1/3 innings, allowing three runs on five hits. He struck out five and walked one.

"I wouldn't want him in the big leagues this year, if I have my way," assistant general manager Leland Maddox said. "I think in the big leagues he may reach back too far."

Claussen, a 24-year-old left-hander, had ligament-replacement surgery about a year ago. His velocity still hasn't fully returned.

"He's part of the future," Maddox said. "When he gets his velocity back, he can be like Tom Glavine. I'm not saying as good. But that's the way he pitches."

BRANYAN BACK: Miley plans on starting Russell Branyan in left field tonight in the series wrap-up with the Dodgers.

Branyan hasn't played since suffering a high ankle sprain Friday.

Miley said Branyan will get his at-bats, even with Larson getting the bulk of the time at third base.

"Russell looks like he'll give us a better chance to win by driving in runs," Miley said.

SULLIVAN, KEARNS: Scott Sullivan showed no ill effects Wednesday from his workout Tuesday.

He could be activated for tonight's game. Sullivan has been on the disabled list since July 19 with shoulder tendinitis.

Austin Kearns played his second game of his rehab assignment with Chattanooga Tuesday.

"It went well," Miley said. "Hopefully, Tuesday when we start the homestand, he'll be ready to go."

UP NEXT: Paul Wilson will make his 23rd start - tied with Danny Graves for the club lead - against the Dodgers' Hideo Nomo today.

Wilson is 1-4 with a 7.16 ERA in his past eight starts but pitched well in his last outing. He went seven innings against San Francisco and left with a 3-2 lead. He was the victim of a blown save, but the Reds won the game 5-3.

Nomo is 12-9 with a 2.67 ERA.